As of late Jonathon Conant has been waking up and looking out at the endless waves of the ocean in Costa Rica, all while working on a new show that includes well, you’ll have to keep on reading to find out what this master of music has in store for fans. We also tapped into the science-paved path he’s walked, the energy he’s forever chasing, and more like his plethora of singles. 

Kendra: Do you remember the moment you realized music was the path you were supposed to be on?

Jonathon Conant: Music was in my blood. With an opera-singing mother, a harp-playing sister, and a cousin who wrote the theme song to ‘Mission Impossible,’ music was in my blood. But, while I loved playing as a kid, I couldn’t help feeling that there was something I had to do first, and music would just have to wait. 

My father was a psychologist and impressed upon me very early that the world needs our help. Thus, I was set on a path of psychology working with schizophrenics, battered women, abandoned children, and head-injured kids. I longed to pursue a music career, but I had to do what I could to help. Finally, I feel I have done my part and can now fully dedicate myself to my passion for music. 

Kendra: You went on to drop ‘Stone Cold Temple’ in 2014 and then it seems like you took a step back from releasing music until 2020’s “Run.” What pushed you back into a creative mode?

Jonathon Conant: Oh, I was creating the whole time. I was finding my musical voice and building a national company that, on the surface, repopularized circus arts yet for me it was all about triggering passion. I quietly wrote songs that appeared on television, learned Afro-Cuban drumming, recorded with third-world bands, and led a trance band called Tantric Rhythm Ride. “Run” came about when I sold my company and finally had the freedom to just write. 

Kendra: You’ve dropped a cascade of singles since then. Are there any plans to release a follow-up to ‘Stone Cold Temple?’

Jonathon Conant: ‘Stone Cold Temple’ was a compilation of life experiences that needed to be expressed at a time when I was beginning to play guitar. I first picked up the acoustic and all this emotion that seemed to be just waiting to flow came rushing out. The pain and shock of losing my father. The confusion of being loved by an abuser. It was a voice that had to be heard but not one that really represents who I am musically. 

Kendra: As for what you have out now, again, a cascade of singles including your latest, ‘Lovers Only Trade for Love.” You noted how the track was inspired by early Red Hot Chili Peppers and Maroon 5. What about those bands do you find the most inspiring; musically and/or careerwise?

Jonathon Conant: Red Hot Chili Peppers is pure energy. I wish I had an alternate life where I could rip off my tee shirt, brandish my tats, and create a wave of energy that people love to surf on. I’ll go my whole life trying to put that energy in my music, but that really ain’t me. 

Maroon 5 is like a harmonic feast. They make deeply satisfying sounds. Neither of those bands are my core influence, for in truth that must go to the great funk bands, and the even great Prince, Sting, Peter Gabriel, and Evanescence also own parts of my soul.   

Kendra: Before that, you dropped “Bad Decisions.” However, I’d like to know what you feel is the best decision an artist can make when in the studio? 

Jonathon Conant: I see what you did there…

Number 1 is you have to be doing it for you. You may never be heard but your heart should be no less full of gratitude for the gift of music. You may get famous and the only thing that saves you from insanity is that when you perform, you are doing it for you and the audience just happens to be there. 

Number 2 is that it doesn’t have to be perfect. The industry has polished the craft to a shine that doesn’t represent even a small percentage of the great music that barely even tries to be “done right.” There are thousands of stations playing music 24 hours a day. They are desperate for content. Learn the basics of not blowing the speakers and you’ll be fine. 

Kendra: You are originally from California but now reside in Costa Rica. What motivated that move, and how is the music scene there treating you?

Jonathon Conant: I moved here because it’s epic! I can grow my own food and drink the water from the river by my house. My view is the ocean and a thousand-foot waterfall. 

There is no music scene here for me. I may create one at some point but the current plan is an Africa-Europe tour in 2024. 

Kendra: Time for a side note: This month I’m asking everyone for a song they listen to when they’re feeling a little lost creativity and are in need of some musical inspiration…

Jonathon Conant: “Purple Rain” by he who has been unnamed. 

Kendra: Lastly, with new music out now, what else can fans be on the lookout for as we roll into summer?           

Jonathon Conant: I am writing a show (3 hours of music) called ‘Soul Train Circus.’ It will be a mix of acrobatic performances/dance/audience participation and, of course, my funk music. The show is honoring and paying forward the life lessons I received about breaking stereotypes, becoming more fluid with gender roles, and finding the rhythm that moves your soul. We will find peace when we accept it. We will find joy when we find we are accepted.